NEWSLETTER. Japan Society North West. Visit our website at jsnw.org.uk. Editorial. Recent Society Events. Behaving Yourself in a Japanese Home

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1 Japan Society North West NEWSLETTER No. 5 July 2005 Editorial What s the point of being the editor of your Society s Newsletter if I can t write what I want? So here is my review of the year, warts and all. First of all it is easy to forget that the Society has organised nine events of varied interest; for the record: Nomikai for Akiko Urushibata Aikido a visit to Komyokan Dojo Speakeasy take your first steps in Japanese Bonenkai an end-of-year meal Ukiyo-e woodblock prints at Blackburn Museum The Art of Japanese Gardens Netsuke exquisite Japanese miniatures Behaving Yourself in a Japanese Home Impressions of Japan And the Society also mounted a display stand at two other events organised by other organisations By any standards that is remarkable in a Society s first year. We have kept you, our members, informed about what s going on inside the Society and beyond through five Newsletters and countless s. Latterly you have also been able to visit our web site at as a result of the initiative and skill of Kevin Howes. Key to much of this has been the Willis family not the W in JSNW, as you would be forgiven for thinking. Father David, son Neil and his wife Azumi were all on the Committee; as well as looking after the Society s finances, David organised three of the Society s events whilst Neil has set up the membership database and has been responsible for all communications with members. On the negative side, we have not brought the Society to the wider notice of people. We were aware of this weakness but until recently we have seemed unable to grasp this nettle. Now we have and we plan to get the news out as widely as we can and attract many new members. Also disappointing to the Committee has been the poor attendance at some events. This has at times been discouraging; but we ll just have to work even harder to please you! You, the members, are of course the Society s main asset: the Society is you. With the resources at our disposal we have done all we can for you in this first year; the coming year will be bigger and better! We look forward to your support for another year. Recent Society Events Behaving Yourself in a Japanese Home On 10th April, Society member Cathy Peel gave an entertaining and informative talk at the home of a Friendship Force organiser in Timperley. The primary purpose of Cathy s talk was to prepare a group of Friendship Force members for their forthcoming trip to Japan, but the event was open to Society members, several of whom attended. Friendship Force is a non-profit organisation that promotes cross-cultural friendships and understanding through travel. It is an international organisation, with local clubs in more than 50 countries, with each club organising trips to foreign countries. The members, called Ambassadors, stay in the home of Friendship Force club members in the host city for one week, taking part in family and community life. Ambassador and host might not speak the same language or share similar backgrounds, yet the power of friendship overcomes the differences. Cathy s talk centred on the daily practicalities of living in a Japanese house. The importance of gift giving was Visit our website at jsnw.org.uk 1

2 explained, including such details as wrapping gifts properly so that the good luck won t fall out! Cathy also explained why Japanese buildings have curved roofs it s so that should the devil come down, he would be sent back up again! Cathy s talk was very well received, and left the audience much better prepared for their visit to Japan. Impressions of Japan There was good attendance at the Lymm Village Hall on 4th June as Scott Baron made a presentation on his personal impressions of Japan. Scott has recently been in Japan for 10 weeks and had taken several thousands of photographs of the country and people. Scott s presentation used a selection of these photographs to highlight the impact Japan had on him and Scott s extensive interests outside the Japan Society. Scott s theme briefly went down the expected path of scenic views, environmental extremes, technological leadership, cultural differences and vast numbers of people, highlighted with pictures of arrays of bicycles and umbrella stands encountered at stations and the entrances to public buildings. Scott then introduced a challenging perspective and explored issues facing minorities in Japan and his work aimed at helping these people. Scott has a deep interest in projects aimed at social inclusion and promoting international links between people and organizations through art and the presentation focused on the problems and issues facing the disabled and homeless in Japan. Scott illustrated the problems facing the disabled with many pictures of staircases that hindered access and the ordered blue tarpaulin and cardboard box homes of elderly homeless Japanese people. Scott then described and showed slides on his work with welfare organisations in Japan and his Hands Across The Water project involving gift wrapping, artwork and the international exchange of boxes decorated and filled personally by the sender. Japan is a multi-faceted culture and land that can leave many varied impressions on those who visit, and we hope that you have the opportunity to form your own impressions of Japan. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting was held on 18th June. Your new Committee of eight comprises: Angela Davies, Alan Grant, Reiko Grant, Kevin Howes, Azumi Willis, David Willis, Neil Willis and David Woolf. Yes, it does look remarkably (but not exactly) like the outgoing Committee! Everyone has a connection with Japan some more than others. Reiko Grant and Neil Willis tell us about themselves below. Reiko Grant My name is Reiko Grant and I joined the JSNW with my husband last autumn. We were introduced by David Woolf who is the Secretary of the JSNW. Since I joined, I have participated in several events where I had a new perspective on Japanese culture seen through British eyes. Although I am a newcomer to the UK arriving last April and know a lot about Japanese culture, I feel I have a fresh insight into Japanese culture through the events. For example, at the Japanese woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e) exhibition this January, I had a good chance to view a number of collections of Japanese woodblock prints by Hiroshige Ando. I also met lots of friends, both Japanese and British, through the events. I could also get lots of information about both Japanese and UK life. If you are looking for a new Society where you want to be fully involved, why don t you join us? Neil Willis Hi, my name's Neil Willis. I lived in Japan for 8 years until coming back to the UK last year. In Japan I was working as an English teacher and trainer in Tokyo and Yokohama. While in Japan (but not, may I stress, while at work) I met a local lady who shared my love of sashimi and Branston pickle, and marriage was inevitable. Back in the UK, I'm working for a local authority whilst my wife Azumi spends her time perfecting a scouse accent and getting ready to test out the NHS's maternity facilities. We've both found the Society to be a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests and experiences. There are many things I loved about living in Japan. Here are some of them, in no particular order: Sashimi (sushi without the unnecessary rice), especially freshly killed tuna. Yum! Japanese baths. They have elevated the process of having a bath to high art. For a start, you don't have to worry about the water spilling over the top. Festivals. Every season brings with it a series of festivals, which bring everyone out onto the street and provide excellent excuses to have a party. 2 us at info@jsnw.org.uk

3 July Event World Culture Gallery Members who came along to our Netsuke event will know that, because the kimono, the traditional costume of Japan, had no pockets, Japanese men carried a small box, often made of lacquered wood called an inro. It was used to hold everyday items, like small coins. We ll be able to see more of these objects as well as Tabako-ire (tobacco pouches, tobacco boxes and pipe cases) when we visit Liverpool Museum s World Cultures Gallery. For most members perhaps the highlight will be the collection of styles of armour worn by Samurai, from two different periods in Japanese history, as well as the sword collection. These are all displayed in the Asia Gallery, which shows how Japan has traded with the West for over 2000 years. We will see artefacts that were bought and sold, and ideas and beliefs that were shared along a network of roads collectively called the Silk Route. We are aiming to have lunch at the new museum cafe and then take a train (5 minutes ride) to the store to look at various groups of objects. If members could give a preference for the type of material they would like to see, the museum will try to ensure best use of the time. Anyone who hasn t visited Liverpool s Museum for some time will find a great change: the Museum's displays have doubled in size with a new atrium and gallery spaces. The latest interactive and technological facilities bring the collections, both ancient and modern, to life for a new generation of fascinated visitors. The Museum opened on 29 April 2005 with a new name to reflect this growth: World Museum Liverpool. Sengoku Jidai, 'The age of the country at war' ( ) Liverpool World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Friday 29nd July Tokugawa period ( ) (assemble in reception area) until about We re also going to be taken around the museum s stores an area normally closed to the public, where we ll be able to get up close to many objects normally hidden form view. We ll be having a one hour tour of the gallery - the Japan section is only a small part of the larger gallery and may also be able to sample some of the activities in the hands-on centre and a session on samurai armour. Booking not necessary for this visit but it would be helpful if you let David Willis know if you're coming (and if you have any special requests for the 'stores' visit) - to dmwillis@blueyonder.co.uk or phone Members only (no charge) Visit our website at jsnw.org.uk 3

4 Shogun: The Life of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu Our August event is a visit to a major exhibition in Leeds. Shogun: The Life of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu completes its 3-month display at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds (opened in 1996 as the new home for the national collection of arms and armour). This exhibition explores the life of Japan s great statesman and Shogun, Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. We ll get to view some eighty of the breathtaking objects screens, weapons, armour, art, scrolls, furniture from the Shogun s treasures which have left their sacred shrines for the first time in history. August Event There may also be the opportunity to take part in armour design, origami workshops or watch Japanese horseback archery and other special demonstrations taking place in the Museum during the Shogun exhibition (during the Exhibition, admission to the permanent galleries of the Royal Armouries is free). Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds Sunday 21st August Meet at Reception at 1200 either to join other members for an informal lunch before we enter the exhibition or to go straight into the exhibition. Otherwise meet at Reception at The exhibition closes at There's also the option to meet up for afternoon tea before the drive back - that can be agreed on the day. Image courtesy of Nikko Toshogu Shrine The cost will be 3 for members (a 2.50 reduction on the normal adult entrance charge) available at both 1200 and Advance booking for this exhibition is highly recommended to guarantee our tickets on the day. Please respond by telephone or before Friday 12th August to David Willis at and dmwillis@blueyonder.co.uk. If you are able to offer, or would like to share, transport to Leeds, please let David know and we ll try to maximise car sharing for this trip. September Event Dip Into Japan Just turn up and enjoy yourself as the Society offers members and the public a chance to sample many aspects of Japan. We are presently at an early stage of planning, but attractions are hoped to include: Sushi making demonstration and tasting, Bonsai and Japanese Gardens, Haiku- learn how to write traditional Japanese poetry, Origami folding paper as an art form, Ningyo a wonderful collection of Japanese Dolls, Writing Japanese be able to write your name in Japanese, Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations, Travelling to Japan, Japanese Technology, Green Tea on tap! A reminder and more information will be sent to you closer to the event. Bring your friends! Lymm Village Hall, Pepper Street, Lymm Sunday 18th September Free to All 4 us at info@jsnw.org.uk

5 Regional Events Now 30 Aug Royal Armouries, Leeds. Major national exhibition: An incredible collection of powerful and beautiful objects from the shrines and museums of Japan. will take the visitor on a journey of discovery using objects, live interpretations, workshops and special events. The exhibition contains over 80 amazing objects that combine power, incredible history and beautiful art, including armour, weapons, scrolls, costumes, screens, art and documents July - Mugenkyo Taiko drummers. Taiko drummers. 1 July 14 Aug Interactive exhibition of silk paintings by Jill Clay and Katie Chaplin, alongside vintage wedding kimonos and Japanese ephemera. Daily workshops in Japanese arts and crafts (please ring for details). Demonstrations of kimono dressing and Tea Ceremony. Help make 1,000 origami cranes for Hiroshima and add your own peace message. Preview 1 July 7-9pm. Performance of Japanese arts 2 July 8pm. Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, N. Yorks /museum.php Now 28 Sept Exhibition of contemporary Japanese woodcuts by Nana Shiomi. The works are inspired by Ukiyo-e 'floating world' prints and will be displayed alongside nineteenth-century prints from the Museum's collection. Supporting workshops hosted by Nana Shiomi. Durham University. Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham. 6 July 8 July An imaginative journey through ancient Japan, promoting cultural awareness using storytelling, 9 Aug 5 Sept movement and authentic Taiko drums. Also including some arts and crafts. Sumi-e workshop for local primary schools, implemented in line with HENRO Exhibition, held at National Trust properties. Takumasa Ono has been teaching sumi-e in the UK since Caldy Valley Centre, Chester HENRO Committee & The National Trust Speke Hall, Liverpool Editors: David Woolf, Kevin Howes (design), Reiko Grant (translation) Copyright 2005 Japan Society North West. All Rights Reserved. Visit our website at jsnw.org.uk 5

6 August Event Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds Dip into Japan September Event Lymm Village Hall, Pepper Street, Lymm 6 us at info@jsnw.org.uk

7 July Event World Culture Gallery World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool Visit our website at jsnw.org.uk 7

8 Japan Society North West No. 5 NEWSLETTER Editorial 8 Visit our us website at info@jsnw.org.uk at